Summer is the perfect time to sow the seeds of healthful
habits that will benefit you and your family throughout
the whole year. With sunny days and longer day time
hours, it is easier to get outside and be active. So how do
you make the most of this season to enhanced your health? This Manchester
chiropractic blog post is geared toward chiropractic
patients, parents, kids, teens, fitness beginners, and health enthusiasts. Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries
explores and presents the benefits of gardening and building good
nutrition and fitness habits during the summer. Let's dig
in!
The Benefits of Gardening for Everyone: Mental &
Physical
Gardening is more than just a relaxing hobby; it
is a natural way to increase your health and well-being.
According to a recent study by Demark-Wahnefried et al., gardening
significantly enhances physical and mental health outcomes, particularly
for older adults. (1) Just
planting, tending, and harvesting keeps you physically active and mentally connected,
decreasing stress and improving mood. As a form
of moderate exercise, gardening and aids in building strength. Activities like
digging, planting, and weeding can burn calories and enhance
flexibility. For chiropractic patients, these activities can be a mild
way to keep active without putting
too much strain on the joints. And spending time in nature has been demonstrated
to reduce anxiety and depression. The repetitive tasks of
gardening can be meditative, providing a sense of accomplishment
that raises self-esteem. For kids and teens, gardening offers a
break from screen time and an opportunity to learn
responsibility.
Reaping the Garden's Goods: Nutritional and Educational
The fruits and vegetables depend on you! When you grow
your own garden, the
produce is not just fresh; they are chockful with nutrients.
Homegrown produce is apt to be richer in
vitamins and minerals since you manage the growing conditions. A
study by Zhang et al. in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition wrote
that high-quality fruit and vegetable intake is linked with
better cardiometabolic health and less risk of chronic diseases.
(2) It is reported that when
kids and teens take part in gardening, they understand
better where their food comes from. This knowledge can cultivate
a greater appreciation for healthy eating. Parents can use this opportunity
to teach their children about different types
of fruits and vegetables and their nutritional benefits. Additionally,
gardening can be an excellent way to show teamwork,
patience, and the rewards of hard work. Who of us Manchester folks does
not need more of that? We all do at Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries.
Building Good Nutrition and Fitness Habits for Youth in
Summer
Summer is the ideal time to introduce your kids to a variety of nutritious
foods and healthy activities. Encourage activities like bike riding, swimming,
hiking, or even simple games like tag or frisbee….and gardening! According to
Bonner et al., integrating physical, psychological, and educational health in youth
during summer programs, like the THINK - The Translational Health in Nutrition
and Kinesiology - program proves quite helpful in creating
a holistic approach to health. (3) You can make your own THINK
program at home! Children are more likely to embrace healthy habits
if they see their parents and caregivers doing them. Take advantage of seasonal produce like
berries, watermelon, and leafy greens. Create fun and colorful salads,
smoothies, and snacks that are attractive to young taste buds
while delivering essential vitamins and minerals. Make fitness
and nutrition a family affair by planning active outings, making
healthy meals together, talking about the importance
of a balanced diet and regular exercise, and incorporating
chiropractic spinal manipulation into the mix for overall
Manchester spinal health.
CONTACT Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Kim Lombardy on The Back Doctors Podcast with
Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes a patient story of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management,
treatment and nutritional support, helped reduce the need for
opioids.
Schedule your Manchester chiropractic
appointment today.